Send me email updates about messages I've received
on the site and the latest news from The CafeMom Team.By signing up, you certify that
you are female and accept the Terms of Service and have read the
Privacy Policy.

praise and reward him when he goes outside and just clean up the mess inside with no comments whatsoever.

Answer by
Anonymous
at 3:44 PM on Sep. 15, 2009

Walk him a lot. Not just taking him out. He needs nice long walks. And when he pees, quickly and quietly usher him outside and leave him there as you clean the mess. Also, don't give the puppy as much roaming around room. Maybe just the kitchen area or just the living room area... something like that. The more room they have, the more likely they are to fine an area that they will make their "potty area" until trained. And when you are gone, if you done't already do this, either keep puppy in a bathroom or in a crate. It keeps puppy safe and the mess to a minimum. Crates are the best though, because in such a small space, they learn not to pee or poop. Good luck. :)

We're going through this right now as well and our trainer said that puppy needs to go out whenever they finishing eating/drinking, playing, and napping...so pretty much every time you turn around. lol It's just a long process. Plenty of rewards after pottying outside and pretty much can't say anything to them after they have went in the house. According to the trainer, you have to give the dog a consequence within 1-2 seconds of the action. After that, the dog has no idea what you are rewarding/punishing them for. And he says to keep in mind, the puppy is just a baby. Accidents will happen, but you just have to be consistent. Good luck!!

Don't yell at your dog. Yelling increases fear, aggression and a host of other issues you don't want to deal with. Don't rub his nose it in either...see above statement for reasons why.

If you catch your puppy IN THE ACT (not later he won't know why you are angry at him) one stern NO and that's it. Then pick him up and take him outside. Stay out there for a minimum of twenty minutes. A MINIMUM. The reason he is peeing inside is because he isn't finished. Use a command like go pee, or go potty or something. When he does, praise him. Lots of good dogs, yay puppy, well done and then give him a treat. A cookie, a special outside pee only toy, cheese, hot dog anything. Consistency and proper training and your dog will be housetrained in no time.

If you catch him in the act or about to tell him NO in a loud voice to get his attention. Take him outside and tell him OUTSIDE or whatever would you are going to use. When he goes outside praise him. It will take a few weeks. You have to watch him like a hawk.

When he pees on the floor, show him the pee & tell him NO. OUTSIDE. and take him outside while you clean it up.

Puppies dont usually become adjusted to housebreaking until they are about 4 months. Shouting does not work, it will only make him fear you and his behavior will continue. If its a male, consider having him neutered so he doesnt spot in the home, even with a well trained dog, if he isnt neutered he will begin marking his territory all over your home.
Crate training works the very best, keep him in it at night and first thing in the morning take him out for a walk. When you see him sniffing around the house immediately take home out. Reward him and praise him when he does well. DO NOT use his crate as punishment if he makes a mistake in the home, the crate should be used as his own personal spot to sleep in or rest. If you begin to use it as form of punishment he will not train, he will instead be fearful of the crate and will eventually begin soiling in it which will defeat the purpose. Good luck...